Chasing the Wind on Tbilisi Sea

On the right day, the shoreline of Tbilisi Sea looks a little different. Kites rise above the water, boards cut across the surface, and a stretch of the reservoir becomes a meeting point for people who plan their time around the wind.

This is Bollywood Beach, one of the main kitesurfing spots in the Tbilisi area. There is no set schedule for when the water comes alive. It depends on the conditions, and not every day brings enough wind to get out on the water. When it does, local kitesurfers and windsurfers gather here, some returning to the same stretch of shore for years.

A community built around the wind

Kitesurfing has a longer history in Georgia than many people might expect. According to information shared about Desperados, the club’s story began in 2009, when its first member was the only kitesurfer in the country. Today, the community brings together more than 30 athletes.

That growth is part of what makes the spot worth knowing. Beyond the sport itself, Bollywood Beach is a place where people share an interest shaped by the same elements: wind, water and the patience to wait for the right conditions. Some have been coming here for close to two decades, making the community as much a part of the experience as the location itself.

It starts with the forecast

At Bollywood Beach, the wind determines the day. North-west winds are considered particularly favourable, and moderate to strong conditions are generally needed. The spot is known for variable wind, which can make planning less straightforward than simply choosing a date and heading out.

The location is better suited to intermediate and advanced riders than to complete beginners. Kitesurfing lessons and equipment rental are not currently available here, so visitors should arrive with the skills and equipment they need. Checking the forecast in advance and contacting local riders before making the trip is a sensible way to plan a visit.

Finding your way there

Bollywood Beach is on Tbilisi Sea, a reservoir on the northeastern edge of the city. It offers a different perspective on Tbilisi, one shaped less by streets and landmarks than by open water and changing weather.

For experienced kitesurfers, joining the local community can be a way to discover the spot through the people who know it best. On a windy day, there may be riders on the shore ready to head out. Conditions are never guaranteed, though, so it is worth checking before setting off.

Sometimes, getting to know a place begins with knowing what to look for. Here, it is the wind.